HALF of the 18 people who were asked by Hillsborough investigators to come forward to assist the inquests into the tragedy in which 96 Liverpool fans died have been identified.

CCTV images of were issued of potential witnesses who assisted some of the 96 fans who died in the 1989 disaster.

CCTV images of people the Hillsborough investigators need to speak to as witnesses as part of the ongoing inquest process.

On behalf of coroner Sir John Goldring, the images were released by Operation Resolve, which was set up by Home Secretary Theresa May to investigate whether any individuals or organisations are criminally culpable for their part in the disaster.

The officer in overall command of Operation Resolve, Assistant Commissioner Jon Stoddart, said the witnesses may be able to provide answers to the “many questions” that the bereaved families still have.

Similar appeals are expected to be made next week for more potential witnesses to be identified.

Anyone who can identify any of the people in the images should call Operation Resolve on 08000 283 284 or via the website www.operationresolve.co.uk.

There are still many questions that the families of the 96 have and we believe that these people may be able to provide answers to some of those questions.